This episode is a conversation between Catherine Whitaker and Billie Jean King.
Through stories about the Battle of the Sexes, the Original 9, the awarding of equal prize money at the US Open in 1973, her time spent with Bud Collins, and knowing Althea Gibson, Billie Jean connects the past with the present, explaining why it’s so important to know your tennis history and how it impacts the modern game.
Now 77-years-old, Billie Jean’s love for tennis and her desire for it to be as good as it possibly can be shine through. She makes the case for there to be more team events, recognises some elements which are holding the sport back, but ultimately provides an optimistic message about tennis’ future, buoyed by the direction leaders such as Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are taking it.
There are moments of intense introspection, too, as she talks candidly about her struggle to be her authentic self, her regrets, the challenges of competing at the top level in your late 30s, what it means to ‘stay in the room’, and the responsibility that comes with having her name on the Billie Jean King Cup.
The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.
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Live from Wimbledon Day 7 - Gauff, Raducanu derailed by inspired opponents; Alcaraz, Sinner roll on
Live from Wimbledon Day 6 - Swiatek comes up short on grass again; RaducAndy gate
Live from Wimbledon Day 5 - Alcaraz survives and thrives; is Raducanu in the mix?
Live from Wimbledon Day 4 - Murray leaves heart on Centre Court; Shocks, drama, trauma everywhere
Live from Wimbledon Day 3 - Sinner survives Berretini test; Raducanu, Andreescu, Gauff serve up reminders
Live from Wimbledon Day 2 - Murray: It wasn’t meant to be; Champ Vondrousova crashes out
Live from Wimbledon Day 1 - Sabalenka’s sorrow, Raducanu wins ugly, Alcaraz & Sinner advance
Live from Wimbledon - Day 1 preview; The future - for Andy Murray and Wimbledon
Live from Wimbledon - Sabalenka injury scare but other top stars glow; Andy continues to agonise
Live from Wimbledon - Draw Day
Murray in turmoil but Djokovic looks ready; Tales from Wimbledon qualifying
Stars in Wimbledon waiting game; Sinner, Pegula, Paul post statement wins
Grass! Draper, Boulter double for Britain; Wayne Ferreira interview
Bianca Andreescu
RG Day 15 - Alcaraz escapes to history
RG Day 14 - History made and Iga eager for more; Alcaraz vs. Zverev preview
RG Day 13 - Alcaraz outlasts Sinner; Zverev case discontinued; Swiatek vs. Paolini preview
RG Day 12 - Talking all the tennis with Mary Carillo
RG Day 11 - Paolini, Andreeva rock Roland Garros; Zverev advances
RG Day 10 - Injury dashes Djokovic hopes; Swiatek vs. Gauff, Alcaraz vs. Sinner are ON
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